For the Death Consul Azik, today is probably the most extraordinary day since his birth.
He replaced the Underworld Emperor in receiving two of the most significant King of Angels of this era, and saw the rumored offspring recently brought home by Mr. Door, and for the first time, felt shaken by the words of this young angel.
Never having truly considered his own nature, the Death Consul Azik couldn't suppress the urge to ponder his essence. Was he really the gentle, family-oriented person described by Libert Abraham?
His rational side still told him that was impossible, yet the hint of humanity born from his followers and anchor points inevitably swayed him.
Azik had to admit that the version of himself described by Libert both terrified and confused him, but also... attracted him slightly.
"In a sense, Libert Abraham is a truly frightening existence..." After the banquet, in a secluded corner of the royal palace of the Balam Empire, Azik exhaled deeply, feeling the need for solitude. At least for tonight, he did not want to see that young angel again.
Otherwise, he feared he might do something irrational due to the young angel's words.
Let him stay alone here for a while, let him suppress that wavering again... Azik thought, leaning against the wall, quietly gazing at the faintly visible stars in the sky.
"Prince Azik, so you are here."
A familiar voice sounded beside him. Azik turned his head and saw a familiar figure, a servant of the Underworld Emperor.
"What's the matter?" Azik straightened up and looked at the servant, speaking lightly, "Does His Majesty have something for me to handle?"
The servant respectfully said, "It's like this, Prince Azik. Prince Libert from the Tudor Empire seems to have some important matters related to both countries to discuss with you. He is waiting in Meeting Room No. 3."
Azik: ...
To be honest, Azik's first reaction was to refuse, but as the chief tool of the God of Death and the actual handler of various affairs in the Balam Empire, his sense of responsibility as a consul made him nod. He said with some difficulty, "Let's go."
The servant then respectfully led the way.
Soon, they arrived at the familiar Meeting Room No. 3. After dismissing the servant, Azik hesitated for a second before pushing the door open. Inside, unsurprisingly, was the young angel.
"Yo, Azik, long time no see!" Lynn greeted cheerfully, continuing to write and draw with his hands.
"Long time no see, Libert. I heard you have important matters related to both countries to discuss with me." Azik closed the door, his tone formal and businesslike.
He then paused, noticing a power enveloping the entire meeting room, a power of space and sealing, abilities from the Door pathway.
This made Azik vigilant almost instantly, though he did not become overly tense. After all, they were in the royal palace of the Balam Empire; if something really happened, his father, the Underworld Emperor, would surely notice.
Moreover, the power enveloping the room seemed more like a confidentiality measure than an attempt to trap him.
Could Libert really have something important to discuss?
Azik thought instinctively, and then he saw the young man wave his hand, nonchalantly saying:
"Don't worry, it's just for confidentiality... As for the so-called important matters related to both countries, that was just an excuse. I don't actually have anything related to both countries to discuss. I'm just here for fun, the important stuff is handled by Bethel and the others."
Azik: ...
Somehow, he was not surprised at all.
Azik suddenly felt a headache. At this moment, he felt a kinship with Mr. Door, but his good manners kept him from cursing out loud.
Azik just couldn't help but rub his temples, speaking lightly, "If you have nothing to discuss, may I take my leave? I have other affairs to handle."
This was not a mere excuse. As the consul of the Balam Empire, there were plenty of things he needed to deal with.
"No, you can't. This meeting was initiated by Bethel and approved by His Majesty, so no one is allowed to leave without my permission." Lynn smiled warmly and kindly, yet his words carried an undeniable authority.
Azik: ...
In that instant, Azik really wanted to ask Mr. Door, "Do you know that spoiling a child like this will spoil them rotten?"
At the same time, Azik inevitably thought of the treatment he usually received from the Underworld Emperor. Although the Underworld Emperor valued him highly as his most capable deputy, he would never treat Azik the way Mr. Door treated Libert... like a father doting on his child.
No, he shouldn't think like that. The Underworld Emperor's attitude was normal for a deity; Mr. Door's way was an exception... Azik suppressed his subtle thoughts, hearing the young angel continue:
"Moreover, although I have nothing related to both countries to discuss, I do have something important related to you, Azik Eggers."
Hearing the other seriously call his name, Azik was stunned for a moment, unable to help asking, "Something related to me?"
"Yes!" Lynn nodded, finally stopping his drawing and writing, then handed over the freshly drawn picture to Azik.
Azik, a bit puzzled, took the picture. It depicted two cats, one big and one small. The larger cat, seemingly a leopard cat, looked strong and fierce.
But its action was to protect a small black kitten behind it. The black kitten had a small, exquisite silk hat on its head.
(End of chapter)